Raven’s Pov
After ending the call, I stood there for a moment, forcing myself to breathe slowly as my heart thundered wildly in my chest.
I refused to cry. I had already shed enough tears over the last eleven years—more than enough for one lifetime.
This time, I would straighten my spine, lift my chin, and find Alaric to tell him face‑to‑face that I was done. That I was leaving the pack.
Music drifted down the corridor, lively and loud. The celebration had already begun. The twins’ birthday feast was underway.
I slipped into a soft pink dress I found hanging in the wardrobe and stepped out of the room.
The moment I entered the great hall, something inside me shattered beyond repair.
Right there, beneath the glowing pack chandeliers, Alaric was kneeling on one knee. In his hand was a diamond ring infused with moonlight energy, and standing before him was Morgana—the twins’ nanny.
“Will you accept my mark and become my mate?” he asked gently.
Morgana covered her mouth, laughing through her tears before nodding eagerly. “Yes. I will.”
Cheers erupted around the hall. Wolves clapped, howled, and celebrated while I stood frozen. The twins rushed forward, throwing themselves into Morgana’s arms, their faces bright with joy.
“Finally! Morgana’s going to be our real mom now!” Ian exclaimed happily.
“I’m so glad it’s not that evil she‑wolf, Raven,” Rylan added without hesitation.
A soft laugh escaped my lips as I slowly clapped, making sure my presence was noticed.
“Congratulations,” I said calmly.
Alaric stiffened when he saw me. His eyes widened slightly. “Raven, I—”
“Don’t bother,” I cut in smoothly. “I was only passing through. I just came to let you know I’m leaving.”
“What is wrong with you?” Alaric snapped, just as Morgana began to cry dramatically.
“Oh, Goddess, Raven, I’m so sorry,” Morgana sobbed. “Please don’t go because of me.”
Alaric grabbed my arm, trying to pull me away from the hall, but I shoved him back.
“Don’t lay a single filthy finger on me,” I snarled, my wolf stirring beneath my skin.
“Let’s talk somewhere private,” he growled.
Suddenly, the twins rushed me, their fists pounding against my sides. “Wicked woman! You made our mom cry!”
“That’s enough,” Morgana sniffed, pretending to be weak. “I’m fine, children.”
But they weren’t finished. Rylan sprinted out of the hall and returned almost immediately, holding something that made my blood turn cold.
“No!” I screamed, lunging toward him.
Rylan laughed and deliberately released it.
The sound of the jar shattering echoed like thunder as my mother’s ashes scattered across the floor.
“What have you done?!” I screamed, my mind unraveling.
“If you ever hurt our new mom again, you’ll regret it,” Ian warned coldly.
The guests began whispering.
“Who is that crazy woman?”
“She’s the former Luna who refused to leave for eleven years.”
“So shameless, trying to ruin another woman’s mating ceremony.”
“Morgana is kind enough to still defend her.”
“What a wicked she‑wolf.”
“Say whatever you want!” I snapped suddenly, silencing them. “These brats—”
“That’s enough, Raven!” Alaric roared.
I saw his hand coming. I refused to let it land.
I caught his wrist mid‑air and struck him twice across the face. His sharp gasp echoed through the hall.
“Go rot in hell, Alaric,” I hissed.
Without waiting for another word, I stormed out, tears blurring my vision. I didn’t stop walking—I knew if I did, I’d collapse.
When I reached my room, the emptiness hit me full force. For ten long years, I had waited for the twins to love me. Now I knew—there was nothing left for me in this pack.
I grabbed my suitcase and began stuffing my clothes inside.
Moments later, the door flew open. Alaric barged in, his eyes glowing red with rage.
“What madness has possessed you?” he growled.
I ignored him, tossing my shoes into the case. Suddenly, he seized the suitcase and flung it across the room, scattering everything.
“Now you’re listening,” he snarled.
I laughed bitterly. “Keep it. I don’t want anything from this place anymore. Everything here is tainted.”
“Enough!” he shouted, gripping my shoulders and shaking me hard.
“Touch me again and I’ll break your fingers,” I warned coldly.
He froze, staring at me in shock. “What’s happened to you, Raven? This isn’t you.”
“Not me?” I scoffed. “You loved it when I obeyed every word you said. Now that I’m done being silent, suddenly I’m the problem?”
“Calm down so I can explain,” he snapped.
I knew another lie was coming—but this time, I wouldn’t stop him.
“Go on,” I said flatly.
Alaric exhaled. “Morgana is ill. She has a human disease—cancer.”
I showed no reaction.
“She only has a few years left. She devoted herself to the twins. They begged me to make her their mother for the time she has left, so she can pass peacefully.”
I burst out laughing when he finished.
“You’ve really improved your lies,” I said mockingly.
“It’s true,” he insisted. “Just two years.”
“Two years,” I repeated. “And after that, you’ll finally mate with me, right?”
“Yes,” he said quickly. “Everything’s already planned.”
I looked at him calmly. “So what do you want from me now?”
He smiled, kissing my cheeks. “This is why I love you. I need you to take care of the twins while I take Morgana abroad for her treatment.”
I nodded and smiled brightly. “Alright.”
He kissed my forehead. “I’ll send Morgana over. You can apologize to each other.”
Then he added, “I’ll also make the kids apologize.”
I watched him leave. The moment the door closed, I wiped my face.
“You must really think I’m stupid, Alaric,” I muttered.
A slow clap sounded behind me.
“Of course you are, Raven,” Morgana said smugly. “Otherwise, you’d know I’ve been sleeping with Alaric for the last three years.”
She placed a hand on her stomach and smiled sweetly.
“And I’m carrying his child.”
